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March 24, 2011

T. SorensonNicollet Public SchoolsOne Pine Street, P.O. Box 108Nicollet, MN 56074

Introduction

This report presents the results from air samples taken by Brian Parrie of Advanced Health, Safety and Security on March 15, 2011 at Nicollet PublicSchools. Samples were taken to assess possible mold contamination in thegymnasium.

Methodology

Four samples were collected inside the facility and one was collected outsidethe front door as a reference sample and a blank control sample via was sentfor a total of 6 tests.

Sampling was conducted using air pumps and Air (Zefon Air-O-Cell Cassettes,Lot # 20956). Air was drawn through the cassettes at a rate of 25 LPM forapproximately 15 minutes to meet the target volume of approximately 360liters.

The cassettes were placed at various highs from one to three feet.

Samples were sent to the lab for analysis along with one empty cassette torepresent a control sample. The results from the lab are calculated from thetotal number of identified mold spores. The lab utilizes a 1000Xmagnification (oil) to perform qualitative analysis, according to IAQL 033104Proprietary Methods for Airborne Fungal Spore Identification / Quantitation. Purpose

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Client: Nicollet Public School Page: 2Report of: Air Sampling Project No:Location: Gymnasium Date: March 15, 2011

The purpose of conducting air sampling in the Nicollet Public SchoolsGymnasium is to determine if there are mold spores at levels that exceedthe IAQ standard for a healthy and safe working environment and todetermine and/or eliminate any environmental hazard that may exists.

Sample Data

The following table lists all samples tested. Recommended response actionscan be found in this report:

Data Form for Air Samples

Table I

 

Sample Location: Nicollet Public

School / GymSampleNumber

Fungal

SporeCount

LocationDescription

Volume

RateLPM

MM² M³Comments

GymCenterDivider

South/Eastentrance

375 L 25 N1001 0.28 21

CenterGym

CenterGym

Floor

375 L 25 N1002 ND ND

EastGym

Centertile gymfloor

375 L 25 N1003 1.3 96

Cafeteria

CenterCafeteria

375 L 25 N1004 ND ND

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Client: Nicollet Public School Page: 3Report of: Air Sampling Project No:Location: Gymnasium Date: March 15, 2011

OutsideFrontEntrance

375 L 25 N1005 ND ND

Control NA NA NA N1006 ND ND

Observed Area = 28.6 mm²

Results

Lab Result are attached as Appendix A

Sample N1001

Organism Raw Count Spores/M  ³ Ascospores spp. 1 11Aspergillus/Penicillum spp. 1 11

Organism Raw Count Spores/M  ³ 

Cladosporium ssp. 9 96

The lab reports provides airborne spore densities described as the totalcounts per millimeter squared over the observed area (total counts = theraw counts multiplies by QC factor of 4).

The outside sample is always collected for reference purposes to determineif any bioaerosol concerns exists. While no government standards existregarding acceptable indoor microbial levels the outside air sample is usedto determine the amount of outside contaminants compared to inside. If theinside to outside air ratio is less than one it is usually determined that thereis no problem with the inside air. If the ratio exceeds one then it isinterpreted as if a mold source does exist within the facility.

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Client: Nicollet Public School Page: 4Report of: Air Sampling Project No:Location: Gymnasium Date: March 15, 2011

Comparing the outside air sample to the inside air sample showed nosignificant concentration of bioaerosols or mold greater than one percent of known noxious molds.

The molds listed above and on the lab result form show very lowconcentration of known noxious molds were found. Two species of moldwere described that were found in the gym and not outside/ambient airsample. Ascospores ssp. and Aspergillus/Penicillium ssp were found insidebut in very small quantities that would probably not warrant further

investigation. The Cladosporium ssp. is a known common mold occurring inbuilding, homes and outdoors.

Discussion

Under ideal conditions, the indoor air mold/fungal count should be lower thanthe ambient outdoor level and should represent a similar distribution of mold/fungal genus/species. Recent rainfall, snow and other climate changescan change the level of distribution during outdoor sampling. Due toincrease snow levels, freezing and thawing during the time of sampling mayexplain why there were no spores observed during the outdoor sampling.

Ascospores ssp. and Aspergillus/Penicillium ssp. all are associated withwarm ,wet and /or damp conditions growing on decaying plant debris,compost piles water damaged building materials.

Definitions and health effects are present in Appendix B of this report. Thedescriptions have been compiled from various sources on the internet andthe University of Minnesota Department of Environmental Science Healthand Safety. The list does compile observed effects of some strains of moldand/or fungal gene/species; it does not mean that all exposures to thespecific mold or fungus will have the same effect resulting in thesesymptoms.

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Client: Nicollet Public School Page: 5Report of: Air Sampling Project No:Location: Gymnasium Date: March 15, 2011

Of the three observed organisms the Penicillium ssp. produces a microbialvolatile organic compound (mVOCs). The compound is 2-methyl-isoborneol,and is describes as a heavy musty odor.

MVOCs that were produced can, even though the mold/fungal species isdead or dormant, remain porous and absorbent materials like carpet, ceilingtile, insulation etc. for extended periods of time. The odor will eventuallydissipate unless the mold/fungal growth reoccur’s.

I would suggest the follow actions be taken:

Continue venting under the gym floor with forced air until the moisturecontinent of the wood is between 8-14%.

Prevent any new sources of water that could revitalize existing coloniesunder the floor.

Remarks

The environmental services performed by Advanced Health, Safety andSecurity for this project have been conducted in a manner consistent withthe degree of care and technical skill exercised by environmentalprofessionals currently practicing in this area under similar budget and timeconstraints.

Recommendations contained in this report represent my professionaljudgment at the time of inspection.

This concludes this report.

Any questions regarding the fieldwork, sample results or presented findingsshould be directed to:

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Client: Nicollet Public School Page: 6Report of: Air Sampling Project No:Location: Gymnasium Date: March 15, 2011

Advanced Health, Safety and SecurityBrian Parrie1819 Hwy 59Slayton, MN 56172(605-430-8842).

Appendix B

Significance of Fungi Observed

Cladosporium ssp. – Most commonly identified outdoor fungus. The outdoor numbers are

reduced in the winter. The numbers are often high in the summer. Most often found indoors

in numbers less than outdoors. It is a common allergen. Indoor species may be different

that outdoor species. It is commonly found on the surfaces of fiberglass duct liner in the

interior of supply ducts. A wide variety of plants are food sources for this fungus. It is found

on dead plants, woody plants, food, straw, soil, paint, and textiles. It can cause mycosis.

Common causes of extrinsic asthma (immediate-type hypersensitivity: type I). Acute

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Client: Nicollet Public School Page: 7Report of: Air Sampling Project No:Location: Gymnasium Date: March 15, 2011symptoms include edema and bronchisospasms, chronic cases may develop pulmonary

emphysema.

Penicillim ssp.- A wide number of organisms have been placed in this genus. Identification

to species is difficult. Often found in aerosol samples. Commonly found in soil, food,

cellulose and grains. It is also found in paints and compost piles. It may cause

hypersensitivity pneumonitis, and/or allergic alveolitis in susceptible individuals. It is

reported to be allergenic (skin). It is commonly found in carpet, wallpaper, and in interior

fiberglass duct insulation. Some species can produce mycotoxins. Common cause of 

extrinsic asthma (immediate-type hypersensitivity: type I). Acute symptoms include edema

and bronchisospasms, chronic cases may develop pulmonary emphysema.

Aspergillus ssp.- Is a genus of about 200 fungi worldwide and is more common in autumn

and winter in the northern hemispheres. Its natural habitat is in hay and compost. This type

of mold can be found everywhere indoors (prefers damp materials) and outdoors. Commonly

found in soil, food compost, decaying vegetation, fire proofing materials, bedding, pillows,

ventilation and air conditioning systems, and computer fans. It can produce mycotoxins –

these are often found in contaminated foodstuff and are hazardous to the consumer. Many

toxins of this type of mold have been identified and depend greatly on genus and species.

Common cause of extrinsic asthma (immediate-type hypersensitivity: type I). Acute

symptoms include edema and bronchisospasms, chronic cases may develop pulmonary

emphysema.

Ascospores ssp.- Ascospores are microscopic spores which develop during the winter on

dead, fallen leaves that were infected the previous season. From budburst onwards, rain

triggers the release of ascospores into the air. Ascospore release will continue until earlyDecember, or later in a dry season, and this is known as the primary infection season.They

can be found everywhere and commonly grow indoors on damp materials. Common cause of 

extrinsic asthma (immediate-type hypersensitivity: type I).

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Client: Nicollet Public School Page: 14Report of: Air Sampling Project No:Location: Gymnasium Date: March 15, 2011